Former Student to be Inducted into Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame
COLLEGE STATION – Dr. Charles W. “Doc” Graham ’53 will be inducted as a 2016 Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame member – the highest honor bestowed on individuals who have shown excellence in competition, business and support of rodeo and western lifestyle in Texas.
Graham, a graduate of Texas A&M University’s Colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, received the news of his induction on September 6, before a football game in College Station.
Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp said his long-time friend could be inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame on his professional credentials alone, but his character and work ethic set him apart.
“He’s an early riser, a hard worker, good company and a steady hand not prone to panic when the herd turns against you, as it sometimes does in life,” Chancellor Sharp said. “Who else would you want riding beside you?”
“Dr. Graham exemplifies what it means to be a Texas Cowboy,” said Dr. Mark Hussey, vice chancellor and dean of agriculture and life sciences. “He’s a legend among those in the equine industry, having established equine veterinarian facilities that are recognized among the nation’s most prominent. He also has successful cattle and feedlot operations in addition to other agricultural interests.”
Graham is the only individual to serve as president for both the Texas Quarter Horse Association and the Texas Thoroughbred Breeders Association. He is also the only person to be selected as Horseman of the Year by both associations.
Graham’s other honors include the 2013 Texas A&M; AgriLife Distinguished Texas in Agriculture Award, the 2010 College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Outstanding Alumni Award, and the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Outstanding Alumnus Award.
He was also inducted into the American Quarter Horse Association Hall of Fame in 2009, the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Famer in 2008, and the Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 2002.
“Dr. Graham demonstrates the qualities and successes of an inductee to the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame to the people of Texas, the nation, and the world. He has had more impact on Texas A&M; University, the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, the youth of Texas, and the Texas cattle and equine industry than any other person I know,” said Dr. Eleanor M. Green, the Carl B. King Dean of Veterinary Medicine. “Dr. Graham is a role model and an ambassador. I have known that for over three decades and from four different states and now I see it here in Texas.”
Graham earned his bachelor of science degree in animal husbandry in 1953, his bachelor of science degree in animal science in 1954 and his doctorate in veterinary medicine in 1961, all from Texas A&M.;
In the early 1960s, Graham and Dr. W. H. Cardwell built the Elgin Veterinary Hospital and grew the practice into one of the largest equine veterinary facilities in the nation. Graham is now owner of a number of other businesses, including the 1,300-acre Southwest Stallion Station in Elgin, which has bred some of the top stallions and broodmares in the quarter horse industry.
Graham will be officially inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame at a ceremony in 2016.
